half-mile

UK: ˌhɑːf ˈmaɪl | US: ˌhæf ˈmaɪl

Definition

  1. n. a unit of distance equal to half of a mile (approximately 0.8 kilometers)

Structure
half <one of two equal parts>mile <measure of distance>
Etymology

The word "half-mile" is a straightforward compound formed by combining "half" (Old English "healf," meaning "part of a whole") and "mile" (Latin "milia," meaning "thousand paces"). The term reflects a practical division of the mile, a historical unit of distance rooted in Roman measurement. The compound structure preserves the original spellings of both morphemes, making it easily recognizable and logical for learners.

Examples

  1. The park is located just a half-mile from the train station.

  2. She runs a half-mile every morning as part of her fitness routine.

  3. The sign indicated that the next rest area was a half-mile ahead.

  4. We walked the last half-mile to the summit in silence.

  5. The race includes a half-mile sprint for younger participants.